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Denison City Council approves routine contracts, sets levy public hearing and reviews FY 26/27 budget
Summary
The Denison City Council unanimously approved multiple contracts and agreements, waived registration fees for four remodel properties, set an April 7 public hearing for the FY 2026/27 consolidated general fund tax levy (proposed rate $18.6917), and received updates on the Wellness Center project.
Denison City Council members on March 3 unanimously approved a package of routine contracts and administrative actions, set a public hearing on the city’s proposed fiscal-year 2026/27 consolidated general fund tax levy, and heard updates on several local projects including the Wellness Center.
The council moved swiftly through consent items and contract approvals. Motions carried or resolutions were adopted without recorded dissent on items including a $4,352.00 estimate from Ten Point Construction for the 12th South/Highway 30 concrete project, a $19,900.00 award to 3C Roofing & Construction, LLC for the Aquatic Center roof replacement, a JCG Land Services right-of-way services agreement, a one-year temporary site lease extension with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, the Calhoun Burns bridge inspection services agreement, and a Region XII planning and administrative assistance contract for IEDA Contract #25-OT-002.
Council also approved a Grant Agreement between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Denison Municipal Airport for underground storage tank removal in the amount of $15,000.00.
On a request from property owner Jose Patino, the council voted to waive the rental-property registration fee for four vacant houses undergoing remodels — 1512 1st Avenue North, 1109 2nd Avenue South, 1604 2nd Avenue South, and 705 East Circle Road — until the properties are habitable. The motion passed unanimously.
Budget discussion and levy timing City staff presented the proposed FY 2026/27 budget and a proposed consolidated general fund levy rate of $18.6917, a reduction of $0.1774 from the previous year. Council members indicated support for the proposed levy rate and directed staff to proceed. The council then adopted Resolution #2026-15 to set a public hearing on the consolidated levy for April 7, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Personnel and other administrative actions The council adopted Resolution #2026-16, setting the wage for a part-time certified communications operator. Other routine business — bills, minutes, and liquor license approvals for Hy-Vee Food Store and The Old Fashioned — passed as part of the consent agenda.
EMA lease amendment and property option City Manager Garcia reported the City Attorney approved a proposed lease amendment with the Emergency Management Agency; the County Attorney remained under review. EMA Director Rasmussen and Fire Chief Snowgren discussed the possibility of purchasing property adjacent to the fire training facility and donating the current building to the Fire Department if a new structure is built, an option council members supported for its potential to improve the city’s ISO rating.
Wellness Center and department reports Parks and Recreation Director Ellis updated the council on Public Works activity including field preparation and pothole repairs, and Library Director Meyer confirmed the library’s accreditation submission to the state. City Manager Garcia reported the Wellness Center is awaiting state inspections, with furniture and equipment being ordered and installations underway; a soft opening for charter members and a public ribbon-cutting are planned in April 2026.
Votes at a glance - Approve meeting agenda; table Item 13 (Park & Recreation Board recommendation) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Peterson; outcome: approved unanimously. - Consent agenda (minutes, bills, liquor licenses for Hy-Vee Food Store and The Old Fashioned) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Granzen; outcome: approved unanimously. - Waive rental registration fee for four vacant remodel properties (addresses as noted) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Crawford; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve Ten Point Construction estimate for 12th South/Highway 30 — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Crawford; outcome: approved unanimously. - Award Aquatic Center roof replacement to 3C Roofing & Construction, LLC ($19,900.00) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Peterson; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve JCG Land Services right-of-way agreement — Motion by Miller; seconded by Crawford; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve temporary site lease with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (one-year extension) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Granzen; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve Calhoun Burns agreement for 2026 bridge inspection services — Motion by Crawford; seconded by Granzen; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve Region XII Local Planning and Administrative Assistance Contract (IEDA Contract #25-OT-002) — Motion by Crawford; seconded by Zupp-Smith; outcome: approved unanimously. - Approve DNR grant agreement for Denison Municipal Airport underground storage tank removal ($15,000.00) — Motion by Granzen; seconded by Crawford; outcome: approved unanimously. - Adopt Resolution #2026-15 (set public hearing on consolidated levy for April 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Peterson; outcome: adopted unanimously. - Adopt Resolution #2026-16 (set wage for part-time certified communications operator) — Motion by Zupp-Smith; seconded by Crawford; outcome: adopted unanimously.
What’s next The council scheduled a public hearing on the consolidated general fund tax levy for April 7, 2026, where members of the public may comment on the proposed FY 2026/27 levy and budget. No votes on the final levy occurred at the March 3 meeting. The council adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
